Alaska Metal & Mechanical

Apprenticeships have stood the test of time… because they work.

At AMMA, classroom learning is only part of the equation. Real experience, real projects, and learning from experienced professionals are what help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Working alongside industry expert Brian Johnson, our 3rd Year Sheet Metal Apprentices took on a full mock duct installation project—stepping into the role of contractors by measuring the job, creating sketches, preparing material takeoffs, and planning their installations.

From there, students moved into the install phase where Brian shared proven techniques developed across decades in the trade—refining craftsmanship, improving installation methods, and holding students to the same standards expected in the field.

We believe experience should never sit on the sidelines.

It should be passed down.

The completed duct systems will remain on display through summer and into the Fall as a reminder of what happens when education, mentorship, and hands-on learning come together.

This is more than a classroom project.

This is how we build the next generation of Sheet Metal and HVAC professionals.

Last week, AMMA had the opportunity to host students from the Kusilvak Career Academy for an introduction to the worlds of Sheet Metal and HVAC-R Service!

Students spent time learning about apprenticeship opportunities, career paths in the skilled trades, and asking questions about how to begin their journey into the industry.

In the Sheet Metal shop, Bruce guided students through a hands-on fabrication project where they built their own toolboxes to take home, using real techniques and tools commonly used in the field every day.

The class then moved into the HVAC-R Service lab, where Instructor Billy Bridges introduced students to the fundamentals of HVAC-R, combustion analysis, and furnace systems—equipment that plays an important role in many of the communities these students call home.

This was the first of several planned classes with the Kusilvak Career Academy, and AMMA looks forward to continuing to share opportunities, skills, and career pathways with students across Alaska.

Thank you to everyone involved for helping introduce the next generation to careers in the skilled trades!

- The CSJQ Tier 2 Implementation Project received $2,415,709 (100% of its total cost) from a grant awarded under the Critical Sectors Job Quality grant, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

⏰ 1 MONTH LEFT TO APPLY - The clock is ticking for the 2026 Sheet Metal & HVAC-R Apprenticeship Intake.⏰
Our apprentices built this duct run from scratch to help spread the message—there is only 1 month remaining to complete your application and take the next step toward a career in the trades.

Now is the time to:
✔ Schedule your WorkKeys test
✔ Complete your application
✔ Submit before the deadline
✔ Start building your future

A career with strong wages, benefits, hands-on skills, and long-term opportunity could be one decision away.
Don’t wait until the final week! 👉 Apply now at akmetalmech.com/application/ - The CSJQ Tier 2 Implementation Project received $2,415,709 (100% of its total cost) from a grant awarded under the Critical Sectors Job Quality grant, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

🚨 THE 2026 AMMA INTAKE IS OPEN UNTIL MAY 31st! 🚨
If you’re ready for a real career with strong wages, hands-on skills, and long-term opportunity, now is the time to apply for the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship.

Train for a future in:
🔧 Sheet Metal
❄️ HVAC-R Service
💰 Earn While You Learn
📈 Build Toward Top Pay + Benefits
The intake period is only open through May 31st, so don’t wait.

Start preparing now by scheduling your WorkKeys tests, gathering documents, and learning more today. 👉 Apply now at akmetalmech.com/application

- The CSJQ Tier 2 Implementation Project received $2,415,709 (100% of its total cost) from a grant awarded under the Critical Sectors Job Quality grant, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

Geometry came to life last week at AMMA as we welcomed students from Dimond High School to explore how math is used every day in the Sheet Metal trade.

Bruce gave students a hands-on look at how geometry plays a major role in layout, measurements, angles, fitting, and fabrication in real-world projects. After the classroom discussion, students stepped into the shop and put those concepts into action.

Using hand brakes, spot welders, and sheet metal hand tools, each student built their own square-to-diamond pencil holder to take home—turning geometry from something on paper into something they created with their own hands.

Experiences like this help show students that math has real value, and that careers in the skilled trades offer exciting opportunities to apply what they learn in school every day.

Thank you to the students and staff from Dimond High School for visiting us. We enjoyed having you in the shop!

Interested in a future in Sheet Metal or HVAC-R?
Learn more at akmetalmech.com - The CSJQ Tier 2 Implementation Project received $2,415,709 (100% of its total cost) from a grant awarded under the Critical Sectors Job Quality grant, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.